Brave may have been an inspirational Oscar-nominated animated film. That is, until Disney got its hands on its main character, Princess Merida. As she was about to be inducted to The Disney Princess Collection, bow-slinging Merida was sexualized into a Barbie-like doll.
According to an article in the Guardian, a petition to Disney's Bog Iger on Change.org requesting that Merida be reverted to the heroine we know and love received more than 100,000 signatures in little over a week:
"... by making [the doll] skinnier, sexier and more mature in appearance, you are sending a message to girls that the original, realistic, teenage-appearing version of Merida is inferior; that for girls and women to have value—to be recognized as true princesses—they must conform to a narrow definition of beauty," reads the petition.
Even Brave creator Brenda Chapman lent her voice to the cause, stating that Disney "completely missed the point," and have done her character a disservice by making her sexy and sparkly.
"Merida was created to break that mould," she added. "To give young girls a better, stronger role model, a more attainable role model, something of substance, not just a pretty face that waits around for romance."
Even her dress was made tighter for the doll. Thus far Disney is sticking to its design guns, claiming Merida is still a "brave, passionate, and confident [princess]."
But not if you have anything to do with it. Shame on you, Disney.
Want to add your two cents' worth? Sign the petition. Would you buy the new doll for your daughter?
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